Single digits sleeps...where did the time go? After 2 years of waiting, you'd think I'd be ready. Think again!! I did a suitcase and backpack dress rehearsal yesterday. With the restrictions this time around, I have to fit everything for Jayme and me into one (count 'em one) 26x18x11 bag that can't weigh more than 44 pounds. Yup, it all fit and I was within the weight restriction too - yippee!! We aren't able to leave a bag in Beijing like the last time. Oh and of course we'll be experiencing summer weather in Nanning and winter weather in Beijing...so you can see my dilemma. I opted to leave out diapers, wipes, formula and cereal this time around. I'll just pick up my supplies when we get to Nanning. There's a super walmart there. I wonder if it will look like the one in Kunming? Your typical walmart, except it was 4 floors high and they had tables of assorted (ahem) meats out in the open.
So here's what's left of my To Do List:
Upload more Jayme pictures
Put a small photo album together for Jayme's nanny
Get a nanny gift
Print off our travel itinerary for Lyle
Fax my travel insurance paper
Wash a few more Jayme clothes
Get extra photos of me and Lyle
Pick up the last of my U.S. $$$
Contact Mindy at Aeroplan
Send Lili's birthday card - sorry Kerry, it will arrive really early.
Wrap the last of my "Mommy misses Rylee" gifts
Photocopy ALL documents
Get my travel visas, passports and power of attorney sheet (Deborah is couriering them)
Pick up pink yarn (our group is tagging luggage)
Buy phone cards so Lyle can call his lovely bride (that's me) in China
Rylee needs new jeans, art paper and more scotch tape
Make sure my video camera is working...and I know HOW to work it.
Get my pedicure
Finish painting 2 more rooms...yeah, I thought it would be fun to do a renovation to 3 rooms in total in the past week!! Oh what was I thinking???
And last but not least....take the 2nd round of Dukoral vaccine. Finding a 2 hour window of time when I'm not eating is the trick to this one....LOL
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Less Than 30 Days!
I'm starting to feel the pressure! I'm cranky, I'm over-eating, I'm fretting over every small detail of this adoption, and tomorrow is the travel seminar.
When we adopted Rylee, I was cool as a cucumber. I just went with the flow. I was naive! This time, I'm preparing for every possible scenario...and frankly, it's wearing me out! I envy the first-timers in our group who are experiencing sheer joy.
For the first time, I'm dreading the fact that Lyle will not be with me. I am going to miss him terribly and being away from Miss Magoo will be unbearable! I made a calendar up for her to put stickers on every day, to track when I'd be home. I also bought her a small gift to open every night with Daddy. Yup, it's going to be really hard...lots of tears!
We interrupt this sappy post for some late-breaking news! "Breaking" is the operative word here.
So I was rearranging the girls' room this afternoon, changing the summer bedspread over to the heavy duvet, moving the crib to a better position, etc. when I noticed that the crib mattress was crooked. I crawled underneath to see if the corner hooks were misaligned...and that's when I saw the real damage! Uh huh, the board that holds the mattress up, was snapped in half. I couldn't believe it! And that's when I remembered this little incident back in May...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Things I've Learned From My 4 Year Old
I may have taught her to walk, talk, sign, count and print....but Rylee has taught me the most important life lessons.
TO BE CONFIDENT:
It's okay to wear red, blue, brown and purple all at the same time.
TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF:
It's okay to say NO when you really, really, really don't want to do something.
TO BE FREE:
It's okay to dance, really funny, even in front of strangers.
TO GO AGAINST THE GRAIN:
It's okay to sit in the baby swing at the park...afterall, it is more comfy.
TO BE CREATIVE:
It's okay to paint, draw and glue for hours until you fall asleep on your art project.
TO HAVE A GOOD BODY IMAGE:
It's okay sometimes to eat a few cookies before supper.
TO GO BIG OR GO HOME:
If you have to burp, do it with gusto!
TO FIND FUN IN EVERY SITUATION:
Like humming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star during your timeout.
TO TRY NEW THINGS:
Like attempting to eat with socks on your hands.
TO DO EVERYTHING WITH A SMILE AND A GIGGLE:
Potty time does not need to be a mundane chore.
If only we would take our cues from the most innocent. They seem to have it ALL figured out!
TO BE CONFIDENT:
It's okay to wear red, blue, brown and purple all at the same time.
TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF:
It's okay to say NO when you really, really, really don't want to do something.
TO BE FREE:
It's okay to dance, really funny, even in front of strangers.
TO GO AGAINST THE GRAIN:
It's okay to sit in the baby swing at the park...afterall, it is more comfy.
TO BE CREATIVE:
It's okay to paint, draw and glue for hours until you fall asleep on your art project.
TO HAVE A GOOD BODY IMAGE:
It's okay sometimes to eat a few cookies before supper.
TO GO BIG OR GO HOME:
If you have to burp, do it with gusto!
TO FIND FUN IN EVERY SITUATION:
Like humming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star during your timeout.
TO TRY NEW THINGS:
Like attempting to eat with socks on your hands.
TO DO EVERYTHING WITH A SMILE AND A GIGGLE:
Potty time does not need to be a mundane chore.
If only we would take our cues from the most innocent. They seem to have it ALL figured out!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
4 Take-offs, 4 Landings...I Can Do This!?
Well, we finally got our travel date set in stone. We will leave for Beijing on Friday November 9th and return November 24th. I am so happy that it's a direct flight, because I don't fly well. Uh, yeah that's an understatement! I HATE TO FLY!! And there are lots of pictures to prove it....thanks to my sweetie! He finds it rather amusing to see me totally silent, white as a ghost, clutching his arm, holding my breath and with eyes the size of saucers! And that's just at the ticket counter! lol The real fun is during take-off!
Oh but this time he won't be there to witness it and have his little giggle. Nope, that job now goes to my sister Bev, as she has graciously offered to travel with me to get our baby Jayme. She will be my pack mule, videographer, gopher and official hand-holder during take-offs. Some landings as well...if they start that circling business. Oh yeah and if there's any turbulence.
I feel somewhat badly for her. First, she has to fly from Alberta to Ontario on November 8th. Then we'll hop our flight for China on the 9th, and most likely have to fly again to the baby's province the day after that. Can you say jetlag? She also doesn't have kids so I'm sure midnight feedings aren't something that she'll enjoy either. Ohhh, I felt a little snicker rise up there. Maybe she should rethink this fabulous trip of a lifetime, eh? Definitely not the time for her to give up smoking! lol
Oh but this time he won't be there to witness it and have his little giggle. Nope, that job now goes to my sister Bev, as she has graciously offered to travel with me to get our baby Jayme. She will be my pack mule, videographer, gopher and official hand-holder during take-offs. Some landings as well...if they start that circling business. Oh yeah and if there's any turbulence.
I feel somewhat badly for her. First, she has to fly from Alberta to Ontario on November 8th. Then we'll hop our flight for China on the 9th, and most likely have to fly again to the baby's province the day after that. Can you say jetlag? She also doesn't have kids so I'm sure midnight feedings aren't something that she'll enjoy either. Ohhh, I felt a little snicker rise up there. Maybe she should rethink this fabulous trip of a lifetime, eh? Definitely not the time for her to give up smoking! lol
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Parenting position now available - Moms not need apply.
At what point in time did we as a society start sourcing out the role of Mom? We pay other people to clean our homes, mow the lawn, service our cars, pick up prepared food, walk our dogs. So I guess it seems like a natural progression for a civilized society to then pay others to care for the children. This job should be left to the professionals. No need for Moms to be involved in the day-to-day operations. Moms just aren't qualified! Or so I've been told.
So what prompted this post? Recently, I've been thrust into a world I never knew existed. One that includes Occupational Therapists, Speech/Language Therapists, ECE's, Social Workers, Psychologists and Paediatricians. All working together to better raise my child. "Just leave it to us, Mrs. Hall, we have the qualifications that you don't have. Go and get a real job or at least have a pedicure and leave this to us. Be a good girl and don't question our authority. Believe us, it is best for you and the child." And that's exactly what I did. "Sign here, sign there, Mrs. Hall." They liked me. I was so easy to get along with. Then I came to my senses. One of them being - common sense.
Now there are days when I'm observing these intruders in my family's lives, and I seriously wonder if I'm the only sane person in the room.
Here are some of the things I've learned during the Invasion:
"Believe me, you'll be so happy to see the back of her head as she goes off to school". No, I don't think so.
"She needs a good preschool program so she's prepared for real school and real life. If she needs some extra help, we'll get her a TA for some one-on-one." And she gets what ratio when I homeschool?
"We know what she should learn, how much of it and when." So learning to print her alphabet, finding countries on a globe, knowing all the Provinces, naming the planets, using 100 ASL signs, counting to 40, etc. by the time you're 4 doesn't count? Oh silly me.
"You shouldn't worry about leaving her. Remember, all teachers love what they do and they genuinely love the kids." Uh huh...and how many loving teachers did you encounter going to school?
"4 year olds need time apart from their parents to explore the world." Say what? Maybe on your planet.
"You'll need time with your second child." My Granny handled 9...count 'em 9...and I would be unable to handle 2?
"Parents need to talk to therapists instead of spouses about their feelings ." Ah yes, I can see where it could be detrimental to have a close relationship with my husband.
"I know your daughter spent the first year of her life alone, lying flat on her back in a crib, without any stimulation, never being held, never being loved, just waiting for someone to attend to her basic needs. But she has been here for 3 years so she should be over it." Well, when you do the math....
My sweet girl doesn't need someone who gives in and gives up so easily. She needs...no make that...deserves someone who will look out for her best interest. Someone who will teach her, who will gently guide her, and most importantly, love her!! No, she doesn't need a professional. She needs a Mom....her Mom!!
Climbing down off my soapbox now....class dismissed!
So what prompted this post? Recently, I've been thrust into a world I never knew existed. One that includes Occupational Therapists, Speech/Language Therapists, ECE's, Social Workers, Psychologists and Paediatricians. All working together to better raise my child. "Just leave it to us, Mrs. Hall, we have the qualifications that you don't have. Go and get a real job or at least have a pedicure and leave this to us. Be a good girl and don't question our authority. Believe us, it is best for you and the child." And that's exactly what I did. "Sign here, sign there, Mrs. Hall." They liked me. I was so easy to get along with. Then I came to my senses. One of them being - common sense.
Now there are days when I'm observing these intruders in my family's lives, and I seriously wonder if I'm the only sane person in the room.
Here are some of the things I've learned during the Invasion:
"Believe me, you'll be so happy to see the back of her head as she goes off to school". No, I don't think so.
"She needs a good preschool program so she's prepared for real school and real life. If she needs some extra help, we'll get her a TA for some one-on-one." And she gets what ratio when I homeschool?
"We know what she should learn, how much of it and when." So learning to print her alphabet, finding countries on a globe, knowing all the Provinces, naming the planets, using 100 ASL signs, counting to 40, etc. by the time you're 4 doesn't count? Oh silly me.
"You shouldn't worry about leaving her. Remember, all teachers love what they do and they genuinely love the kids." Uh huh...and how many loving teachers did you encounter going to school?
"4 year olds need time apart from their parents to explore the world." Say what? Maybe on your planet.
"You'll need time with your second child." My Granny handled 9...count 'em 9...and I would be unable to handle 2?
"Parents need to talk to therapists instead of spouses about their feelings ." Ah yes, I can see where it could be detrimental to have a close relationship with my husband.
"I know your daughter spent the first year of her life alone, lying flat on her back in a crib, without any stimulation, never being held, never being loved, just waiting for someone to attend to her basic needs. But she has been here for 3 years so she should be over it." Well, when you do the math....
My sweet girl doesn't need someone who gives in and gives up so easily. She needs...no make that...deserves someone who will look out for her best interest. Someone who will teach her, who will gently guide her, and most importantly, love her!! No, she doesn't need a professional. She needs a Mom....her Mom!!
Climbing down off my soapbox now....class dismissed!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
She's here!!!
We were given some updates this morning...She's a whopping 5 inches shorter than Rylee was!!
So she's little by our standards.
I just keep staring at that little basket of love!!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!
The call came in at 2:57 pm on Wednesday September 5 2007. Lyle took the day off and was here to witness the event. This time around, he actually got the news ahead of all the complete strangers I come across.
Deborah's first words were, " are you sitting down"? Hmmmm....is it better to sit down for bad news or good news??
So here's the good news:
Her name is Jiang Yi Sheng - 99.9% chance she will be Jayme Rayne Yisheng
She was born November 18, 2006
She is in Guangxi - yes that's in China - next Province over from Rylee's
She is living in the Guigang SWI - about 2 hours from the capital city - Nanning
Now for the bad news:
We haven't seen a picture of her and won't until our file is finished being translated on Sunday. I know, we adoptive parents have to have the patience of Job. (For all you non-bible readers that is pronounced JOBE.)
Deborah described her like this:
She doesn't have much hair and it looks to be shaved.
She has rosebud lips
She has very big eyes, looks very bright and alert
She has flawless skin
She looks beautifully healthy
Yes, it was love at first....description! lol When I was writing all the info down, for some reason I couldn't get her name right. I had to ask several times and I'm sure I sounded like a complete moron. Oh, Lyle is nodding his head from the sidelines! Yup, it's official, I sounded like a complete moron....oh well.
Stay tuned....pictures coming soon to a PC near you.
Deborah's first words were, " are you sitting down"? Hmmmm....is it better to sit down for bad news or good news??
So here's the good news:
Her name is Jiang Yi Sheng - 99.9% chance she will be Jayme Rayne Yisheng
She was born November 18, 2006
She is in Guangxi - yes that's in China - next Province over from Rylee's
She is living in the Guigang SWI - about 2 hours from the capital city - Nanning
Now for the bad news:
We haven't seen a picture of her and won't until our file is finished being translated on Sunday. I know, we adoptive parents have to have the patience of Job. (For all you non-bible readers that is pronounced JOBE.)
Deborah described her like this:
She doesn't have much hair and it looks to be shaved.
She has rosebud lips
She has very big eyes, looks very bright and alert
She has flawless skin
She looks beautifully healthy
Yes, it was love at first....description! lol When I was writing all the info down, for some reason I couldn't get her name right. I had to ask several times and I'm sure I sounded like a complete moron. Oh, Lyle is nodding his head from the sidelines! Yup, it's official, I sounded like a complete moron....oh well.
Stay tuned....pictures coming soon to a PC near you.
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